662 THE INTRODUCTORY LECTURE OF MR. FIELD. 
Girard, Hurtrel D’Arboval, and Huzard, in order to shew that the 
cause of veterinary science is not lost sight of in that country, and 
that the gentlemen I have just named have, by their zealous exer- 
tions, assisted materially in its growth and development. 
In reviewing the transactions of the Veterinary Medical Asso- 
ciation during the past year the mind is filled with pleasing antici- 
pations of the amount of good likely to accrue to the profession 
through its means ; and we rejoice at its present palmy and healthful 
condition. Our Journal, so ably conducted by my excellent friend, 
Mr. Morton, teems with a variety of useful information. Several 
new and valuable papers enrich its pages, as well as the accounts 
of many highly interesting cases — the produce of our weekly meet- 
ings. I am confident that I only echo the sentiments of every 
lover of our art when I assert, that we owe a debt of gratitude to 
those gentlemen who have so generously and disinterestedly stepped 
forward with the fruits of their labour and experience. These 
papers and cases, however important and instructive they may be, 
both pathologically and physiologically, do not of themselves alone 
absorb the entire interest of our periodical meetings. The dis- 
cussions to which they give rise are sometimes of inestimable 
value ; for we glean thereby the opinions of practical men, and 
facts, which might otherwise have remained for ever dormant, are 
elicited, and truth, the great end of all philosophic research, is in 
this way brought to light. 
When it was first determined upon by the Association to pub- 
lish their “ Transactions ” themselves, a fear was expressed by 
many among us, that such a proceeding would assuredly militate 
against the success of “The Veterinarian” (a result which all 
would have deplored), as an impression prevailed that sufficient 
matter could not possibly be obtained for the supply of two period- 
icals. I need not remind you, gentlemen, how agreeably those 
forebodings have been dissipated, nor how unjust and unworthy 
an estimate would have been formed of the abilities, as well as of 
the indomitable spirit and perseverance of the talented editors of 
the latter Journal, if the decision of the Association had been in- 
fluenced by any such idle fears. How* many articles have ap- 
peared in either one or other publication which only required the 
force of circumstances to tempt from their concealment, and which 
otherwise would have been lost to the profession ! That such is 
the case no one can doubt ; and I would, moreover, venture to ex- 
press my conviction, that some of the most instructive and, at the 
same time, the most interesting numbers of “The Veterinarian” 
have made their appearance since the separation took place ; 
plainly demonstrating that the Association acted with admirable 
j udgment and foresight in the step they thought it right to adopt ; 
